Chi Feng woke up with a jolt, his heart pounding asif he emerged from a harrowing nightmare.
Yet, blinking into the darkness that surrounded him, he realized with a sinking feeling that the nightmare may have been his reality. Groping through the obsidian shadows, he fumbled for any semblance of light, his fingers eventually feeling and turning on his bedside table's lamp disks, casting a feeble glow across the chamber.
But the light offered no solace, for his master was not around. Panic seized Chi Feng's heart as he searched frantically, his gaze darting across the room in growing desperation. The absence of his master's belongings in garment bag only served to deepen his apprehension, confirming his worst fears. Yet his own in the form of another garment bag was on the circular table with neatly arranged jug and teacups on tray.
Looking closer, he saw a note on the bag that said:
Chi Feng, take care and remain loyal to Dai Dynasty.
Seeing those words chilled him to the core. With trembling hands, he took the note and looked closer. It was indeed his master's handwriting. It also when realization dawned upon him like a cruel revelation. Their moments together could be the last before he was being knocked into unconsciousness, just so that his master could proceed with his lone mission.
Driven by a gnawing sense of dread, Chi Feng hurried to the door, his heart racing as he flung it open only to see handmaiden Er Fen standing before him. Her eyes mirrored his own fear and sorrow upon her tear-streaked face. Immediately, she enveloped him in a desperate embrace, her tears mingling as she cried and said. "Chi Feng, please get me out of here! I don't want to stay in this hellish place forever!"
Overwhelmed by her distress, he could offer no words of reassurance as he was still unable to speak, other than putting his hand on her back as comfort. they clung to each other, seeking solace in their shared distress, their embrace was interrupted by the arrival of another maid, her face etched with palpable anxiety as she rushed towards them.
"Excuse me, are you Master Zhang's disciple Chi Feng?" the maid inquired urgently, her voice trembling with apprehension.
Meeting her gaze with a heavy heart, he nodded silently, bracing himself for the impending news.
"Something terrible has happened to your master!" the maid continued, her words falling heavily upon his ears, mirroring the weight of his own fears. "I just came back from City Plaza and witnessed a commotion along the way. It turned out to be a gruesome sight - a corpse on a stake and surrounded by Dai guards. It pains me to say, but it seemed to be your master."
The news struck him like a thunderbolt, his heart constricting with a mixture of disbelief and dread. Pulling away from Er Fen with a sense of urgency, he felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, propelling him towards the door with a single-minded determination. Without a moment's hesitation, Chi Feng bolted from the room, his mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions as he sprinted towards City Plaza, driven by the urgent need to confirm.
As the winds blew and howled with ominous intensity, signalling the impending arrival of yet another thunderstorm, the bustling streets of Capital City swiftly emptied as civilians sought refuge within the safety of nearby buildings, shops, homes and eateries.
Among those, the once vibrant Dai Long Teahouse and Dai Feng Food Paradise became havens from the impending tempest, offering shelter to those fortunate enough to find solace within their walls.
However, amidst the chaos and retreat of the populace, Chi Feng remained resolute in his singular purpose.to locate his master amidst the turmoil. Ignoring the tide of fleeing bodies, he pressed forward, his determination unyielding as he forged ahead in the opposite direction of the panicked throngs. It was not long before his frantic search yielded the grim truth he had dreaded to confront.
There, amidst a macabre scene of horror and despair, lay his mentor and father figure, his lifeless form sprawled upon a makeshift stake, surrounded by flames that licked hungrily at the night sky. The once pristine white robes that he last wore in their last meeting were now marred by dark crimson stains. But his missing right arm, severed with blood still dripping into the flames, struck him to his core with grief and fury.
With a primal roar of anguish, he drew forth and activated his beam saber, the energy blade igniting with a brilliant blue glow as he charged towards the ten Dai guards who were obviously responsible for his master's demise and looked surprised by his sudden approach.
In a blur of motion and raw emotion, he descended upon them before they could even draw their blasters, his strikes swift and merciless as he cut through their ranks with a ferocity born from vengeance. With them on the ground, he freed his master's lifeless body from its ropes with the energy blade. Cradling whom he also regarded as father in his arms, tears streamed down his cheeks, mingling with the rain that began falling in earnest.
Against the backdrop of the gathering storm, his cries of agony and grief echoed City Plaza streets, a haunting dirge for the irreplaceable bond that had been severed by cruel fate.
Accompanied by Lady Li Shi and two of her devoted maids, including Er Fen, Chi Feng found himself back in Dai Ming Cemetery.
However, this time, his purpose was to lay to rest and bid farewell to his master, whose gravestone now stood solemnly alongside that of his senior disciple, General Xue Lei. Caretaker Luo Bei had deemed this to be appropriate for the final resting place of his revered mentor, a decision met with sombre acceptance by all present.
Understanding Chi Feng and his master's modest means, Lady Li Shi graciously extended her support by offering to cover the costs of both funeral rites and burial at the cemetery.
With her assistance, the arrangements were swiftly made, ensuring that the proceedings proceeded smoothly and with dignity. As the final rites concluded, all gathered before the graves, bowing in solemn reverence as they offered burning incense and heartfelt prayers.
Even after she and her maids had risen to their feet, the apprentice still knelt before the graves of his late mentor and senior disciple, his grief still raw and unyielding, tears streaming down his face in silent lamentation.
Moved by his sorrow over the passing of his senior disciple and master, Lady Li Shi approached and comforted him with compassion, her gentle hands coming to rest upon his trembling shoulders in a gesture of solace and understanding.
Even though two days had passed since burying his master at Dai Ming Cemetery, Chi Feng still found himself grappling with grief.
Seeking solace amidst the peaceful solitude of Dai En Brothel rooftop garden, he engaged himself in the rhythmic swordplay dance, the movements of his illuminous blade slicing through the night air with fluid precision. As he lost himself in the intricate patterns of his practice, memories of his late master's voice echoed in his mind, the words spoken during their journey from Dai Capital City to Mount Mu Fen resonating deeply within him.
Chi Feng, the skill I intend to impart to you is Zhang Feng Jian Fa. His master's voice echoed in his memory. It is the same skill I taught your senior disciple General Xue Lei and my other students as Dai Academy instructor. It seem basic but with complete detachment from emotion and unwavering focus, it becomes a formidable technique, blending offense and defence seamlessly.
Drawing upon his master's teachings, he sought to embody the essence of Zhang Feng Jian Fa in his practice. With each precise movement, he channelled the tranquillity and discipline instilled by his master, allowing the energy blade of his beam saber to weave a symphony of lethal blaze and grace.
Executing each maneuver with meticulous precision, his form mirrored that of his late master, a testament to the indelible imprint left upon him by his the latter's teachings. With each flourish of his blade, he honored the legacy of his mentor, striving to embody the principles of Zhang Feng Jian Fa with unwavering dedication.
As the echoes of his practice faded into the serene stillness of the garden, he found himself momentarily adrift in reflection. Yet, amidst the tranquility, a sense of purpose began to stir within him, fueled by the enduring guidance of his master's wisdom. With renewed determination, he continued his practice, his heart and mind aligned with the teachings of his revered mentor, forging ahead on the path laid before him.
Er Fen stood silently amidst the tranquil beauty of the rooftop garden; her gaze fixed upon Chi Feng as he fervently practiced the art of swordplay.
Over the past two days, she had watched him pour his heart and soul into his training, a testament to his unwavering dedication and resolve. As his movements flowed with fluid precision, she could not help but feel a pang of concern for him. She knew he had scarcely eaten since the solemn ceremony at Dai Ming Cemetery, his grief weighing heavily upon him.
Determined to offer him some measure of comfort, she resolved to prepare a meal for him herself, drawing upon her culinary skills honed over years of service here and for Highness as handmaiden. Gathering four small food containers bound together, each carefully arranged and encased with a certain type of delicacies, she approached Chi Feng with a newfound sense of optimism.
"Chi Feng!" She called him, her voice infused with warmth and reassurance this time round.
The apprentice turned to face her.
"Thanks to you and Lady Li Shi's help, I no longer have to serve men anymore." She explained, her tone buoyant with cheerfulness. "Instead, I'm able to channel my skills into something more fulfilling. Like helping in the kitchen."
He nodded.
"I believe you haven't tasted my cooking. For these are the skills I learnt when serving here as well as for the Highness in palace." She continued. "I am sorry about your master. Seeing that you haven't eaten, I come here to serve you food."
At this point, he turned away and shook his head vigorously.
"Though I have not met and spoken to your master before, I understand how you feel." She did her best to comfort and remind him. "But you can't go on mourning and not eating anything. Come, try my food before it gets cold."
Despite hearing this, he remained steadfast in his refusal, his grief obviously still weighing heavily upon him.
In that moment, Lady Li Shi approached them.
Recognizing Er Fen's struggle to persuade him, she intervened with a quiet resolve. "Leave these to me," she said, her voice firm yet gentle. "You may carry on helping others."
With a nod of understanding, Er Fen passed Lady Li Shi the food containers and withdrew, her thoughts lingering on Chi Feng and the weight of his grief.
As she resumed her duties, she could not help but hoped that Lady Li Shi's wisdom would succeed where her own efforts had faltered.
Approaching the apprentice young enough to be her son, she again put her hand on his shoulder before saying.
"Chi Feng, I understand you are determined to avenge your master." She said. "But even so, you need strength and energy to do so. Including practicing your swordplay. I am sure your master will not want to see you like this if alive.
So please take my advice and eat your dinner. At the same time, I've something else to tell you."
Sensing her genuine concern, the young man finally nodded.
Seated in the spacious chamber of Lady Li Shi, Chi Feng found himself indulging in a simple yet comforting meal of rice and braised Dai Zhou vegetables, tofu, and pork prepared by Er Fen.
As he ate, his thoughts lingered her, whose presence evoked an unexpected sense of maternal warmth. Despite never experiencing the nurturing care of a mother, he could not help feeling that she embodied the essence of maternal love in her words and actions.
Raised solely by his master, his upbringing had been devoid of the typical motherly affection most children experienced. His origins were shrouded in mystery, his infancy marked by abandonment and subsequent adoption by his master. Yet, in her, he found a semblance of maternal tenderness that touched a chord within him.
Listening to her speak, he felt a deep sense of connection and familiarity, as though she knew him and his master for a long time. Despite their brief acquaintance, she displayed a profound understanding of their shared struggles and aspirations, particularly their failed attempt to rescue his senior disciple, General Xue Lei.
In that moment, seated opposite and facing her, he began to perceive her in a new light. Beyond her role as head of Dai En establishment, intelligent strategist and valuable ally, he saw her as a woman of compassion and wisdom, akin to his mother he never even met let alone experienced before. As their conversation unfolded, he found solace in her presence, grateful for the unexpected bond that had formed between them.
"I know exactly how you feel about your master and senior disciple." She said calmly and slowly. "It's not a pleasant feeling since your master has brought you up as father as well. But even with your skills alone, it is still not enough to defeat Premier Hu and his men. I tried to warn your master on this but sensing his strong insistence, I decided to teach what I knew even though it was not possible within a short time."
At this point, Chi Feng stopped eating and again clenched his fist in anger.
"You saw what happened to your master." Lady Li Shi continued. "If you tried to avenge him the same way your master did for your senior disciple, you too would die. Premier Hu may not be skilled in martial arts, but his wife Madam Tang and men certainly are in conventional skills, advanced weapons and technology."
Seemingly able to read his mind, she continued: "Right now my advice is to take your time eating. Er Fen has put a lot of effort into preparing these. You won't let her down, do you?"
Nodding, he continued eating.
After finishing his food and drinking herbal Dai Long tea, the dishes are being cleared by her maids with further message from Lady Li Shi that she was to be with him for the next one to two hours in private conversation. If they needed help with anything else, they should just consult with her deputy Madam Huang.
Nodding, the maids left them both within her large chamber.
As the door closed behind them, Chi Feng found himself enveloped in a cocoon of silence, the weight of the impending conversation hanging heavy in the air.
With her piercing gaze upon him, he braced himself for what lay ahead, knowing that their discussion would likely delve into matters far weightier than her simple act of offering meals.
"Chi Feng, even though you still can't speak now, I know exactly what you think and how you feel." She continued. "For in your last moments with Master Zhang, I heard everything he told you. Though my relations with him is not as deep as you and him, I understand what and why he told you what you need to know."
Your relations with my master? How do you know and understand him even if you met him a few times? Those were the questions circulating on his mind even though he could not express them verbally. Most importantly, what exactly are you talking about and why are you telling me these?
"The reasons why he insisted on going on the mission to avenge your senior disciple is to redeem himself for failing to save your senior disciple and reunite him with his family as he promised." She continued.
"That was also why he came to Capital City and bringing you along is observe and learn what he does practically. Second reason is because he wanted you to live and carry on his legacy should something happen to him which unfortunately it did."
So, you overheard what he told me. But I still don't understand how you also know my senior disciple's family. He wondered over her words. It was as though she was related to them as well besides his master.
However, it did not take long before his unspoken questions were answered by what she was about to say.
"Since your master is no longer around, I be honest with you though I might put him in an awkward position when he was around." Lady Li Shi began relating her intentions and story behind what she just said earlier. "Your Master Zhang and I already knew each other in first Dai Academy when you were just a boy.
We were both instructors training and nurturing students from children to adults as part of our Dynasty culture. Even then, your master was already knowledgeable and experienced than me and others considering that his time and service there was longest. While he was more focused on training men, I was more on women. That included the Highness as child in second Academy and why my relationship with her was as close as sister and friend despite our age and status differences.
Your master also enlightened and provided me many valuable insights not about just about martial arts but way of life. Being young that time, I was attracted to him even though I knew in heart we could never be together as his focus was always on his job and responsibility as a teacher to his students and father to you."
At that moment, he began paying full attention and was stunned by her connections with his master and only guardian he could trust, rely upon and learnt from as a boy, teen and man as well as the fact that his master had never shared with him about these.
"But three incidents parted us and changed our lives forever." She carried on. "Your master and I suffered serious leg injuries coincidently though the causes were unrelated. His was sustained in a duel with General Tetsuban - the Shibeibu Imperial Commander while I in a training exercise.
While recovering in the same medical facilities, we met again and got to know each other better as we have more time with lesser responsibilities. Following that, we moved on with our lives as he decided to set up his own martial arts school while I set up this place and ran as boss.
That was after the First Dai Capital City invasion by Shibeibu Empire. Before that, I was one of late Emperor Dai Ci's favourite concubines despite knowing his womanizing ways and he was already married, he allowed me to inherit one of the businesses which was this Dai En brothel.
He also gave me his Imperial seal as official boss so that I can set up various outlets. However during the Shibeibu invasion which claimed many lives and even more captives, I managed to escape with his guards while he chose to remain with his wife.
Things changed when Grand Chancellor took over as emergency ruler as both the current Majesty and Highness were kids. Though we shifted here in this Dai Capital City and our Dynasty began to flourish with no more attacks, I like many others had doubts about his policies. For they were geared more towards his agenda of remaining in power without war through peace treaties he had been attempting to propose to our enemies.
That despite not doing anything to save those still captured in the First Capital City Invasion. Including the Majesty's older brother Dai Chong who was supposed to succeed as next ruler after their parents' passing.
For a brief period, I was helping in the resistance forces as both guerilla combatant and medic, attending to those who needed help and wounded. But after the resistance was shattered by the Grand Chancellor's machinations, I managed to escape and using my connection with the Highness ss her instructor, I was fortune to survive and thrive by setting up another Dai En brothel here as head after leaving the Academy."
After sharing, Lady Li Shi poured herself another cup of Dai Long tea and drank while Chi Feng remained stunned yet fascinated by her background story.
"I am sure by now you must be shocked by what I just shared and wonder why your master never told you, right?" She asked after finishing her tea. "If so, what I am about to say will shock you even more."
Leaning closer, she said in softer tone: "It is regarding who you really are and why you ended up being brought up and trained by your master."
At that moment, his eyes widened as her words baffled him even more. Who I really am? Does she know even my parents as well?
Drawing a little further, she continued despite his reaction: "Your mother's name is Yue Qi Jin. She was one of my girls here and very much like Er Fen who just came to see and serve you food.
After being here for some time, you and your master should know what business we do. Despite how some girls feel about their circumstances, that is the nature of what we do here and perfectly legitimate in eyes of Dai law.
Unfortunately, after having an affair with another man, she got herself pregnant. I and Madam Huang gave her a choice. Which was to either give the child away so that she can continue serving and working here or quit her job and bring you up herself.
However, she chose neither of those but opted to end her life and leave you alive instead. Fearing that her tragedy could bring our reputation down, I had to make a difficult decision as head. Unable to look after you in my profession, I decided to leave you on your master's doorstep with a note on your circumstances and for him to look after you.
So your master decided to look after you singlehandedly and his only reason for agreeing to stay here was due to his friendship with Li Teng Yuan whom I was also well-acquainted with as one of late Emperor Dai Ci's concubines. In any other situations, he would not want to due to his principles."
What? So that was what my mother was like and how she gave birth to me. Only for her to end her life and you to entrust me to my master. While processing the revelations swirling through his mind, Chi Feng could not help but feel a sense of closure settling over him.
For the pieces of his past finally came together, revealing the truth of his origins and the depth of his master's love and sacrifice. And as he looked to Lady Li Shi, a newfound sense of understanding and respect blossomed within him, binding them together in a bond forged by the weight of their shared history.
With unwavering eye contact, she addressed him: "Chi Feng, I understand it's challenging for you to process or come to terms with what I've just revealed. That's precisely why I held your master in such high regard for what he told and did for you. It's also why I made a rare exception by offering both of you free accommodation, meals and even shouldering the expenses for his funeral arrangements."
Still grappling with the weight of her story, Chi Feng could only maintain silence.
Focusing back on the main subject, Lady Li Shi said: "If you still want to avenge your senior disciple and master, I will not stand in your way. For you have every right to.
But I implore you to consider the broader implications before you act. Killing Premier Hu may seem like restoring justice, but it will not resolve the real underlying issues."
She paused, allowing her words to sink in before continuing, her voice weighted with experience: "Even if you succeeded, there will be others like him and ready to replace him.
And trust me from my experience, they are just as corrupt or worse. The rot within the Imperial Royal Circle runs deep, and even the Highness has confided in me about manipulation and treachery that had been plaguing our Dynasty for years."
Observing his hand instinctively gravitating towards his beam saber, she pressed on, undeterred: "Consider this: Premier Hu's power stems from his position as the emergency ruler during the childhood days of our current Majesty and Highness. He also wields his status as legal guardian as bargaining chips in negotiating with our enemies, and they are tactics that has served him well."
She fixed him with a pointed look, her expression earnest: "Think about it, Chi Feng. If even the Majesty and Highness cannot maintain control over him, his Imperial Royal Circle and Senate, what chance do you, as a commoner, stand against him and his cohorts?"
Absorbing her words, Chi Feng felt a sense of clarity settling within and prompting him to withdraw his hand from saber handle.
Her continued reassurance offered a glimmer of hope amid the despair.
"But you do not have to be discouraged." She encouraged; her tone steady. "It is never too late to avenge for the wrongs he did even after months or years. While your anger towards Premier Hu and his allies is justified, now is not the time to act impulsively. Also remember, your failure to save General Xue Lei and your master is not the end of the world for there are much more important and pressing matters at hand."
He regarded her with renewed focus, his attention fully captivated by her sage advice and guidance.
"According to the Highness, the Majesty intends to send his best warriors to Shibeibu Empire to negotiate with the ruler and hopefully bring back his older brother Dai Chong after much persuasion on her side.
Problem is as of now; nobody knows if their older brother is still alive. Except our enemies that captured and enslaved him and thousands of Dais during the First Capital Invasion years ago.
If the Majesty indeed decides to mount a negotiation and rescue attempt, that is when you can volunteer and do your part for Dai Dynasty. Should the Majesty's older brother is still alive and brought back from slavery, he will take over as rightful ruler.
That is when you and the Highness can help him deal with Premier Hu and his Imperial Royal Circle once and for all. When that happens, not only you will be able to restore our kingdom to its former glory but able to avenge your master and senior disciple."
As she leans closer, she added: "No matter how strong your hatred is towards the Grand Chancellor and his lackeys, you must bury it deep in your heart and memory while waiting for the best opportunity to strike."
With a nod of affirmation, Chi Feng signalled his agreement
"Come with me." She suggested.
With that said and upon her activation, both entered the chamber elevator, with Lady Li Shi guiding the way.
"Chi Feng, I am sure by now you should be very familiar with these bikes."
Her words resonated with him as he stood amidst the rows of sleek, armoured bikes in the underground parking basement. The same ones she volunteered to transport his master and him riding on their way to rescue his senior disciple from the dungeon.
The one she rode with his master behind her was of dark and purple and the one he himself rode upon - even though he took a while to adopt the controls -were of dark and red components.
"Before your master left on his last mission, I told and showed him the exact same bikes and instructions on how to operate them." Lady Li Shi continued. "They travel on ground but hover in air and acted as armoured in its configuration. In short, they are also known Armored Bike Integrators.
The one I used to ride and transport your master was standard model DQ-3 which I also used and fought with during my days in guerilla resistance. The one your master used and was now destroyed was DQ-5 and the one that you rode last and which I am giving you is DQ-8. The one in black and with red components.
There are the also same bikes that the Grand Chancellor's men used but with more superior firepower and weaponry."
As she detailed the models they had utilized, his gaze shifted to the bike she indicated. The DQ-8 stood before him, its dark frame and crimson components exuding a sense of power and resilience. He ran his hand along its contours, feeling a surge of anticipation coursing through him.
"But more on that later." As she approached his new bike as well, she opened a box on the rear through activation of passcode - known only to herself – and retrieved what looked to be another but the extended beam saber handle.
Presenting to Chi Feng, she asked: "Have you seen this beam saber before?"
Finding it unfamiliar and unable to recall, he shook his head.
"This is Dai Ming Bi saber. It was formerly used by late Emperor Dai Ci during his younger days in battlefield as prince and commander against the Empire before the use of mecha and technology. Unlike all others including the one used by your master, this weapon can only be wielded by those of highest authority and is not even your conventional beam saber.
As one of his concubines, I was fortunate to be entrusted with this as a gift."
Turning away from him and in a distance. she held up the handle horizontally and pressed the red button on it. Upon doing so, twin sky-blue plasma energy blades extended from either side of the handle, transforming it into a formidable energy spear.
Then she began her swordplay and dance like Chi Feng had never seen before. Her movements with the Dai Ming Bi saber spear were a sight to behold, a mesmerizing blend of grace and power that commanded attention. With each swing and stroke, she exhibited a fluidity that belied her strength, her body moving with effortless precision as she executed intricate maneuvers.
Her swordplay was a symphony of motion, the energy blades of the saber spear slicing through the air with lethal precision. As she danced with the weapon, her movements seemed to flow seamlessly from one to the next, each motion executed with a calculated grace that spoke of years of training and discipline. Her swings were swift and decisive, her strokes precise and deadly, as she demonstrated the full extent of her skill with the saber spear.
Chi Feng watched in awe as she showcased her swordplay dance, his amazement growing with each passing moment.
He could not help but wonder why she never revealed these abilities during their previous encounters, particularly when they had embarked on the rescue mission together disguised as the Highness. Her sharing and demonstration as a warrior contradicted the image she projected in her role as a brothel owner in front of him, his master and everyone else.
When she finally stopped and deactivated the blades, she asked as if she already anticipated what he wanted to ask: "You must be wondering why I did not reveal these to anyone else and that includes your master, right?
Well, it was necessary to protect my reputation as Dai En brothel owner and many girls working under me. For if my real identity is exposed, it will be a danger not just to myself but to them as well."
"Here." She presented the beam saber handle to him. "This weapon is now yours along with the bike. Use it only in the time you need most."
In that moment, Chi Feng realized the magnitude of the weapon he now possessed. If what she said was true, this Dai Ming Bi saber spear represented more than just a tool of war. For it embodied a legacy of strength, honour, and duty passed down through generations.
This also marked the beginning of their new relationship. Due to her older age, Chi Feng saw her more like his own mother he had never met nor experienced her love. And because of what she just shared with him about his master's story, his true background, his immediate priorities and the new weapons she just entrusted to him.
While his ties with his former master and guardian had ended, his with Lady Li Shi as his new mentor had just begun as she began teaching him not just how to wield and use the double-bladed Dai Ming Bi saber but also how to ride on the bike and activates its full capabilities the same way she had taught his master.
But over the next few days to weeks.